Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome occurs when the heart beats too quickly. Normally, the heart beats in a coordinated way between 60 and 100 times per minute. The heart rate of a patient with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can approach 240 beats per minute for a short period of time.
1. What are the symptoms?
Some people with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome never have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically first surface between the ages of 11 and 50 and can include: palpitations, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, fatigue, angina, and/or syncope.
2. What causes Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome?
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is caused by an abnormal extra pathway in the heart. It occurs only in people who are born with this abnormal pathway.
3. How is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome diagnosed?
Those suspected to have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome will be referred to an electrophysiologist. At Boston Medical Center, skilled electrophysiologists use several different tests to help diagnose this, including:
- Electrocardiogram. This device tracks and graphs heart rhythm using electrical signals from the heart.
- Holter monitor. This device monitors and records the heart rhythm continuously for 24-48 hours.
- Event recorder. An event recorder is activated during episodes of fibrillation and records the heart rhythm at that time.
4. How is Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome treated?
When Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome causes frequent and sustained symptoms, a cardiologist may recommend treatment, such as:
Medical therapy. Physicians may use medications to treat Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Common medications for suppressing Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome include beta-blockers and a category of drugs referred to as anti-arrhythmic agents.
Radiofrequency catheter ablation. During ablation, a catheter with an electrode tip is positioned on a small area of heart tissue. The catheter delivers a burst of radiofrequency energy to destroy this tissue, which blocks the extra abnormal pathway.